A Season of Transition
The Michigan Wolverines enter the 2026 season with a coaching staff that has continued to evolve under head coach Kyle Whittingham, building on the foundation he established.
At the heart of the offense, sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood is expected to take a decisive step forward, building on a promising debut.
The running back corps features Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall, two athletes praised for their explosiveness, while the fullback position has seen a sharp decline following the exit of longtime stalwart Max Bredeson.
Wide receivers have been revitalized by the additions of transfers JJ Buchanan, Jaime Ffrench and Salesi Moa, complementing returning standouts such as Semaj Morgan and Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, creating one of the most dynamic groups in the Big Ten.
Along the line, the offensive front has made modest gains, anchored by Jake Guarnera and Andrew Sprague, who hope to protect the backfield more effectively.
Defensively, the interior line shows a slight regression, with Trey Pierce emerging as the most reliable presence, while the edge position could benefit from John Henry Daley if he remains healthy.
The linebacker group faces a notable challenge after the departure of Cole Sullivan and a lack of seasoned backups, raising questions about its ability to generate consistent pressure.
In the secondary, the return of Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill, combined with the additions of Smith Snowden and Chris Bracy, should bolster the pass defense.
Special teams will see a modest dip, particularly at kicker where Dominic Zvada’s departure leaves a void that the staff must address.